7-Day Ultimate Vietnam Travel Itinerary: Explore Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Hanoi Introduction

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Start your day with a traditional Vietnamese breakfast of pho at Pho Bat Dan, well-known for its flavorful broth and fresh ingredients.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy a peaceful walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island in the lake, a symbol of Hanoi’s cultural heart.
VND30000, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit the Old Quarter

Explore the ancient streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter where you can shop, see colonial architecture, and experience local street life.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the famous Hanoi dish Bun Cha, grilled pork served with noodles, best enjoyed at this popular local eatery.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Temple of Literature

Visit Vietnam’s first national university and a historic temple dedicated to Confucius, showcasing traditional Vietnamese architecture and gardens.
VND30000, 1h30m

4:30pm

Water Puppet Theater Show

Watch a fascinating traditional water puppet performance, a unique cultural art form originating from northern Vietnam.
VND100000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Enjoy a famous Hanoi specialty, cha ca (grilled fish with dill), in this historic restaurant dating back over 100 years.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on June 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Hanoi

Enjoy a simple, energizing breakfast at your hotel before your trip to Halong Bay.
Included in hotel stay, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay

Take a comfortable 3.5-4 hours scenic drive from Hanoi to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay.
VND600000 (private car), 4h0m

12:00pm

Lunch on Halong Bay Cruise

Board a traditional junk boat for a cruise around Halong Bay while enjoying a delicious fresh seafood lunch.
USD50, 1h30m

1:30pm

Cruise and Explore Caves

Cruise around limestone karsts and visit stunning caves such as Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave and Titov Island for panoramic views.
Included in cruise, 3h0m

4:30pm

Evening Relaxation on Boat

Watch the sunset and relax on the deck of the boat, enjoying the serene beauty of the bay.
Included in cruise, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner on Board

Enjoy a sumptuous dinner featuring local seafood and Vietnamese delicacies while aboard the boat.
Included in cruise, 1h30m
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Day 3: Historic Hue

Hue, Vietnam on June 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast on Cruise

Start your day with breakfast served on the Halong Bay cruise before disembarking.
Included in cruise, 1h0m

9:00am

Transfer back to Hanoi and fly to Hue

Travel by shuttle back to Hanoi and catch a 1.5 hour domestic flight to Hue, the imperial city.
VND1000000 (flight), 4h0m (transfer + flight + airport transfers)

2:00pm

Check-in and Lunch near hotel

Have lunch at Hanh Restaurant, known for Hue’s specialities like bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup).
VND80000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Imperial City (The Citadel)

Explore the UNESCO listed Imperial City, with its palaces, temples, and royal tombs rich in history.
VND150000, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Ancient Hue

Enjoy traditional Hue cuisine in a charming setting that captures the city’s historical ambiance.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Hoi An Charm

Hoi An, Vietnam on June 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel in Hue

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before transferring to Hoi An.
Included in hotel stay, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive from Hue to Hoi An

Travel by private car for about 3 hours over scenic Hai Van Pass to the charming town of Hoi An.
VND700000, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Taste authentic Hoi An specialties like Cao Lau noodles in this renowned eatery within walking distance of the Old Town.
VND120000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Hoi An Ancient Town

Stroll the lantern-lit streets, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, and admire the preserved architecture of this UNESCO site.
VND120000 (entry ticket), 2h0m

5:00pm

Tailor-made Clothes Shopping

Visit a local tailor to get custom garments made, a famous service in Hoi An.
Varies depending on items, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Enjoy a mix of Vietnamese and Western dishes with river views at this popular restaurant in Hoi An.
VND180000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Da Nang Exploration

Da Nang, Vietnam on June 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at the hotel in Hoi An

Have a hearty breakfast before heading to Da Nang.
Included in hotel stay, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Da Nang

Short 45-minute drive to Da Nang, Vietnam's modern beach city.
VND200000, 45m

10:30am

Marble Mountains

Climb or take the elevator to explore Buddhist caves, pagodas, and enjoy panoramic views of Da Nang.
VND40000, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Banh Xeo Ba Duong

Try local savory Vietnamese crepes filled with meat and veggies at this famous street food spot.
VND60000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Dragon Bridge and Riverside Walk

Visit the iconic Dragon Bridge and enjoy a relaxing walk along the Han River front.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Sunset at My Khe Beach

Relax by the beach and watch a beautiful sunset at My Khe, known for its white sand and clear water.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at La Maison 1888

Dine at this famous French-Vietnamese fusion restaurant set in a luxury resort, ideal for a special evening.
VND800000, 2h0m
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Day 6: Nha Trang Relaxation

Nha Trang, Vietnam on June 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Da Nang

Start with a relaxed breakfast before flying south to coastal Nha Trang.
Included in hotel stay, 1h0m

8:30am

Flight from Da Nang to Nha Trang

Take a short 1-hour flight to Nha Trang, a popular beach destination.
VND900000, 1h30m (including transfers)

10:30am

Check-in and beach time

Check into your beach hotel and spend the morning relaxing on Nha Trang’s sandy beaches.
Hotel dependent, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Sailing Club

Enjoy fresh seafood and international cuisine at this beachfront restaurant with great ambiance.
VND200000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Po Nagar Cham Towers

Explore these ancient Hindu temples dating back to the 7th century, reflecting Cham culture.
VND22000, 1h0m

5:00pm

Mud Bath at Thap Ba Hot Springs

Relax in therapeutic mud baths and mineral hot springs, a perfect way to rejuvenate in Nha Trang.
VND150000, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Louisiane Brewhouse

Dine with views over the sea at this lively craft brewery offering Vietnamese and Western dishes.
VND300000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Nha Trang

Enjoy breakfast before flying to the bustling southern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City.
Included in hotel stay, 1h0m

9:00am

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Catch a 1.5-hour flight from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City.
VND900000, 1h30m (flight and transfers)

11:00am

Visit War Remnants Museum

Gain insight into Vietnam’s history through exhibits on the Vietnam War and its impact.
VND40000, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Savor Ho Chi Minh City's famous pho at this well-regarded local restaurant.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

Explore the iconic French colonial architecture centerpieces located in the downtown area.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs, local foods, and handicrafts at the bustling market.
Free entry, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Secret Garden Rooftop Restaurant

Enjoy rooftop dining with traditional Vietnamese dishes in a serene garden setting in the city center.
VND250000, 1h30m
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